Atlético’s Axel Witsel names two teammates & Real Madrid star as best midfielders | OneFootball

Atlético Madrid star Axel Witsel this evening provided an insight into his take on the finest midfielders in world football at present.

The Belgian took part in a quick-fire interview with ESPN UK on Friday, and, as a midfielder himself, was drawn on the engine room stars whom he most looks up to in the game.

Unsurprisingly, Witsel named a pair of teammates on his podium, in the form of Rodrigo De Paul, and captain Koke.

What came as more of a surprise, though, was the openness of the former Borussia Dortmund man in placing a direct rival at Real Madrid in his top three.

In truth, though, based on the season being enjoyed by the Blancos talent, in Jude Bellingham, it is hard to argue with Witsel’s choice:

Witsel and his Atlético teammates will mark their return to action on Sunday evening, in a La Liga meeting with Sevilla.

Diego Simeone’s troops will head into proceedings with sights set on a bounce-back result, after being condemned to a hugely disappointing 1-0 home defeat in the first-leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final tie with Athletic Club in midweek.

Conor Laird | GSFN